The Carolina Panthers absolutely blew up their defensive coaching staff this past week, booting defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, and assistant linebackers coach Mayur Chaudhari. That’s a serious shake-up, a clear signal things weren’t working. But get this: their initial depth chart for Week 9 against the Denver Broncos? Not much changed at all.
Coaching Shake-up, Depth Chart Standstill
When a team makes that many coaching changes, especially on the defensive side of the ball, you’d expect to see some corresponding shifts in personnel, right? Maybe some guys getting a longer look, new faces in the starting lineup, a fresh approach. But the Panthers’ official release for their Week 9 clash with the Broncos shows a surprisingly static picture. Despite the dramatic departures of Evero, Cooley, and Chaudhari, the depth chart largely reflects what was there before the coaching exodus. It leaves you scratching your head, wondering what message this sends to the locker room. Are they saying the players are doing fine, or is it a sign they’re still figuring things out even as the season rolls on?
Who’s Stepping Up for Week 9
So, with the defensive staff in flux, who’s actually on the field for Week 9? Here’s how the Panthers are lining up their first stringers against the Denver Broncos:
* **Quarterback:** Bryce Young is still the guy under center.
* **Running Back:** Chuba Hubbard leads the backfield.
* **Wide Receiver:** Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and John Metchie III are the primary targets.
* **Tight End:** Tommy Tremble is listed as the top tight end.
* **Left Tackle:** Rasheed Walker holds down the left side of the line.
* **Left Guard:** Damien Lewis is in at left guard.
* **Center:** Luke Fortner snaps the ball.
* **Right Guard:** Robert Hunt anchors the right guard spot.
* **Right Tackle:** Monroe Freeling is the starting right tackle.
* **Defensive Line:** Derrick Brown, Tershawn Wharton, and Bobby Brown III are the upfront guys.
* **Outside Linebacker:** Jaelan Phillips and Pat Jones II are coming off the edge.
* **Inside Linebacker:** Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke are holding down the middle.
* **Cornerback:** Will Lee III and Chau Smith-Wade are the starting corners.
* **Safety:** Tre’von Moehrig and Nick Scott are the deep safeties.
* **Kicker:** Ryan Fitzgerald handles kicking duties.
* **Punter:** Sam Martin is the punter.
* **Long Snapper:** JJ Jansen is the long snapper.
* **Kick Returner:** David Moore is back to return kicks.
* **Punt Returner:** David Moore is also the primary punt returner.
As Week 9 approaches, all eyes will be on how these Panther players, under a freshly thinned coaching staff, perform against the Denver Broncos. Will the apparent stability in the depth chart signal a vote of confidence in the players, or is it a gamble that could backfire big time on the field?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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